]]>Open DiscussionsSun, 08 Sep 2019 20:17:47 +0000From time to time a poem - by: Alexandre Orionhttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/58251-from-time-to-time-a-poem?start=500#338641
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/58251-from-time-to-time-a-poem?start=500#338641Incivil War
* … off on another adventure home to where home becomes because healing happens here, where there are no Lies, not even the Truth ; Dreamers can delight in improbable events just as Gamblers do and those who Fly by night to sleep and Dream away to elsewheres bound to rebound in bindings of respect for the spectre disrespected as a Living Being, conscience clings to the cognition, trying to wish it away, knowing not how to wish – Thinking of somewhere else amplifies the away wished Will were it not for distractions drowning out the dying Dream at least as late as sunrise on every third Day, dedicated and devoted to well-ness even when told Truths tear tears from the Told ; Time cures neither the Conscience nor the Heart as it can other ills, those wounds remaining open, oozing a nectar so sweet it's in for pennies and pounds down its pleasures with Gold, Red and Blue at each sideways glance betraying Truth-telling in a Land without Lies ; It's hard to want what one well knows would harm, Even temptation tastes briefly flavourful, 'til one feels Free enough to asphyxiate in It, frozen, despite all the Warmth one hasn't learnt to want yet ; It is only observation, 'Being There' patiently, pining for what is worth waiting on, over and against rainbows however oddly seen from Orbit, like looking up toward what is beneath, reflections of Envy and Langour spellbind in patterns of blue and white geometry resting on sunset years ago … Confidence, Trust, Respect need tending even in Elsewhere, possibilities of Improbable events arrive with Inspiration, Hearts beat homebound to hold the hand which never was withheld in any of the awkward instances ; So many unknowns are active, unremembered out of Dream, except for a lingering feeling, either Force or Forelornness, felt viscerally Satisfied or famished Soul's hunger … Values can be virtuous until depleted or exceded, making Others into either Means or Martyrs, one being as deadly as the other for the Other whose wholeness is stripped off in a wild goose chase with geese doing the chasing ; Foxes taking tea with Hounds, waiting out the Ordeal cunningly ; Virtuous values motivat Man more than they do geese, foxes or hounds, only a little more cunning but manifestly more rash, rushing into where Angels fear not to tread, but where they do not bother to go … Man has ceased to be merely a Wolf to fellow Man, but more a virtueless virtuoso, playing fellows like flûtes and poorly sturng lutes living instrumental measure silently and desperately ; Sitting quietly at a lakeside, Contemplaiting the windblown ripples and geese making splashing landings whilst foxes sleep and Dream in nice, dry dens, hounds hop hopefully after butterflies ; So, for a meagre while, Love fortifies the firm foundations of improbable events, untold Truths in the Land with no Lies – lover's quarrels and Love making come from the same source, canalised by the Foundation's features, fertilised with moments of Beauty, so soon forgotten ; Minds try too much to matter most – knowing not how to wish, they plan : improbablity gets Understood as mental landscapes fill with Lies, including Truths … Time gets told backwards, from the consequences towards their causes, crafted to conform to and confirm the Plans ; justifications of non-rational motives made Irrationals by meaning them Mindfully … Season change between Other and Object, between artisanery made only methodically ; Art inspired to expression and expired from exasperation : playing the flute or lute without Love is but technicity, skillful perhaps, yet bereft sorrowfully of Spirit ; identities in uniform, Two dimensional profiles mimick maturity, models determine modes of Meeting ; Exitential events are unique, precious phenomena, carrying upon them Reality and all improbably possibilites prone to create ! Cosmogony begins with Wonder ; Creation occurs upon Awakening from Dream every First Day … Worlds are always new, Possiblity ending only at Totality ; Faces read like old hyroglyphs and amplified by ten thousand generations to hurricane-force event horizons spinning 'round Self-Centres from which many Others are thrown out-of as come again therein … just less dense every more or less Time it turns upwound downwind of smouldering campfire pits at dawn on each morning-after and second-hand homelands' home-comings where Home once was ; Worlds do not differ much, not even by their geographies, All existential events, full Faced and open to accept Grace were it only so accessible, willingness to step into it commands an uncertain risk factor not easily estimated via calculation, no matter how precise ; Full-Face, dangerous in unfamiliar landscapes like home, where the night sky is full of constellations gone all wrong … Dwarves sleeping deeply underground disturb no Worms while they rest, nestled in bedrock Aeons old, from when worlds were melting into Being, pearls under pillows feel like stars nesting in a nebula ; Fusion forged in a sliver of Forever … But dreaming dwarves dream not of mines and quarries, they sort out senses and sensitivities just as does everyone else in the Land without Lies, Truth has no value, Nothing untrue can come about-Face value of Ordinary Utopia ; Thought lives in undecorated of front-lines constantly shelled with explosive Irony, Mind and Meaning are obliged to meet outside of Consciousness – in neutral territory – without the insurrection of Reality ; Truth and Reality are not allies : one Lies cunningly to the Other toward means to undetermined yet eager ends, Attention is paid with Interest and heavily Taxed ; one is encouraged to build castles in the clouds and then are flung from their highest towers by the same Absurdity that dared them to Desire ; Shocked into briefly into an awakened State – the Ordinary World – it's painfully clear that should one have Choice, it is prone to ill-advice from ill-advisors (taking into account that Error is not a deliberate Lie), one sets … *

MadHatter wrote: How does pop culture influance religion and us in general? I find that I am I often use tv and movie references when I am creating lessons, sermons or really in day to day life to refer to more complex topics. Even Campbell and our own Temple shows how fiction is impacting reality after it takes life from that reality.

So what tv shows, books, and movies are some of your favorites?

What media of any sort do you think almost take on a religious aspect for their fans?

We use imagination to fill in the blanks of mapping out some circumstance, the less we're involved the more imagination required to explain the disparate bits of info we do think we have. So yes while the 'map is not the territory', I'd suggest we never have a capacity to know the territory and so we're always working with different resolution maps, indeed I'd say even different maps for the same territories, at the same time!!

So fiction serves to offer a dramatic representation of this process IMO, and I tend to prefer stuff which is a bit 'out there' at the point of focus, but prefer a real plausible reality to serve as the backdrop. Basically I don't like it when the background conflicts with the focus, but am ok if the focus conflicts with the background.

A radical example would be 'Naked Lunch', its off the wall and some find it really hard to watch, but it is entrenched in its own universe where the protagonist has to accept a radical shift in view to discover (and take the audience on) how it fits with everything else. In a way it might be how perception works, we focus on that which is unusual and make assumptions about everything else until we can focus on it to update it in context with the new information.

The original trilogy of Star Wars seemed to have that for me also, but the EU was too shallow IMO and tried to explain too much in a way which didn't really reinforce the universe as much as expand the amount of characters... making the universe the focus doesn't work because it has to be where the focus of the characters is, not the audience. The newer movies seem to really have the balance better. The bored disinterest of Anakin coupled with the frolicking abandon at which a younger Kenobi romped around the prequals both oversold invulnerability or stupidity as 'Jedi', and undersold the depth of the universe they toured. Otherwise the elements I refer were there, but were lost by fundamentally bad directing perhaps, and a few other things. I do love em all though.... in their own ways.

So when that relationship between 'how' the characters interact, discover, conquer etc their universes have novelty or relevance to us in the real world, we probably carry them with us for their utility - as a level above pure entertainment. The next level up of religion would perhaps be the same thing but just a specific type of utility.]]>Open DiscussionsTue, 07 Nov 2017 04:44:52 +0000Bully Bingo: 52 Signs Someone Will Say Anything to Win an Argument - by: JamesSandhttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/116723-bully-bingo-52-signs-someone-will-say-anything-to-win-an-argument?start=10#284857
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/116723-bully-bingo-52-signs-someone-will-say-anything-to-win-an-argument?start=10#284857

Jestor wrote: Just a short and simple request. Please read the
Youth FAQ
. Believe it or not, we will know if you have read it, or either skimmed or not read it at all. How you ask? If we told you, then you could fake it...

Athena_Undomiel wrote: As Jedi, we have the ability to Express [sic] ourselves and our stance very clearly.

That must be why barely any of us can put to words just what "the Jedi stance" - or indeed even their own - is, let alone be consistent with either themselves or with more than at best so few more that one wouldn't need all fingers of one hand to count them.

I beg to differ. No. Most people, Jedi or otherwise are not at all good at expressing themselves or their stance. Enough even go out of their way to be deliberately vague and obtuse in an effort to sound all wise and holy and to no further good, too.]]>Open DiscussionsSun, 15 Sep 2019 09:16:21 +0000How easily are you able to forgive - by: Kithttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122883-how-easily-are-you-able-to-forgive?start=10#343628
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122883-how-easily-are-you-able-to-forgive?start=10#343628Open DiscussionsSat, 14 Sep 2019 20:15:16 +0000Cancel Culture - by: Deimoshttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122876-cancel-culture?start=20#343604
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122876-cancel-culture?start=20#343604
For example, there was this one person I went to school with who LITERALLY SAID you can't racist towards white people because they are on top of the power system. Off topic, but I'll bring it back. That mindset, the mindset being taking a moral superiority and virtue signaling is, from my guess, the basis of SJW criticism. It just looks like they're waving their metaphorical d**k in everyone's faces and stating that their opinion is the only one that's right. At least that's my perspective. Thoughts?]]>Open DiscussionsSat, 14 Sep 2019 00:51:15 +0000The Open Monthly Reflection Thread - by: Tmattos93https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122882-the-open-monthly-reflection-thread#343408
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122882-the-open-monthly-reflection-thread#343408Iniquity: immoral or grossly unfair behavior.Justice: just behavior or treatment; Just: based on or behaving according to what is morally right and fair.

In order for justice to exist the mere idea of iniquity must also exist, and vice-versa. All existence is multi-faceted; it is impossible to have a one-sided coin. This is the natural order! However, to maintain or conserve the natural order we must take it upon ourselves to constantly work towards balance.

With 7 billion people on this planet, we have 7 billion unique perspectives of morality, of right and wrong. With that inevitably comes the notion of iniquity, and so justice (or the pursuit of justice) follows. Morality and righteousness are essential to achieve peace and order. A world drunk and drowning in iniquity will destroy itself, without question.

Hate appears to be commonplace, from what I experience day-to-day. Those with excess and plenty seem to accumulate while those with little or nothing continue to lose out. There are anomalies, certainly, but too often I witness those who seek to erase the other side of the coin.

I believe balance is the key. Doing what we can not to take down the "mighty", but to uphold the "weak"; Not "turning the tables", but instead "leveling the playing field." As individuals, we have this in our power, and through our daily actions we face opportunities to strive towards balance and encourage others to do the same. I elect to be part of the solution, not the problem.

Subjective truth is what governs society, an agreed upon system of morality as it is defined by the perspective of an overwhelming majority. Some people will have to find acceptance and/or compromise if their minority perspective differs, and it is their right and responsibility to work with others to seek opportunity to generate change if they feel justice is not being served; however, I don't think this is acceptable if their means constitute the use of violence or hatred. Again, all things in balance: There is no Chaos, there is Harmony.

As the wind blows and bends a sapling so it must grow a new limb to achieve balance breaking, it's reach to the sun thusly extended and allowing it to further develop. As time goes by, and more limbs and branches appear, the limbs and branches will grow leaves. The leaves will fall as times change, when their growth is unsustainable and unimportant to the tree's central growth, at its core.

So must we be. Grow new limbs, extend our reach, expand our understanding, shed old thinking and ideas to maintain balance when they are no longer conducive to fruitful growth.

Perfection is impossible, but peace is obtainable when we work towards balance. Iniquity is inevitable as the world exists today, but justice will always be our tool on the path to peace; so long as justice remains constructive rather than destructive.

May The Force Be With You All!

- Travis]]>Open DiscussionsFri, 06 Sep 2019 20:41:03 +0000Real life Tails of Monkey - by: Carlos.Martinez3https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122888-real-life-tails-of-monkey#343404
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122888-real-life-tails-of-monkey#343404
Quick background. Story's of the Monkey or the Monkey King has always got my attention. While reading J.C.(Joseph Campbell) and paying attention to his teaching style, for me , he's never told me what to read or what's right or what's wrong but rather... Check this story from here out or look how they do it. That's my goal in life. By doing this I came across some fun story's from over the seas. As I begin to grow I wanted just a few nighttime story's for my kids and me. During my Zen training, I had been told a few of his story's but never understood em as a whole. As I made a most recent return I found the first storys for America to published and that is what I read/post for you today.

this is the part of the story where monkey full on assaults any one in the heavens against him and its beginning to be a bit too much for everybody. so.. The Buddha and Monkey square off... who are you well whoooooo arrreeeee you!!!!
this is what Monkey says:
"Born of sky and earth, Immortal magically fused, from the mountain of flowers and fruit and old monkey am I.
In the cave of the Water curtain, I ply my home trade; I found a friend and master, who taught me the Great Secret.
I made myself perfect in many arts of immortality, I learned transformation's without bound or end. I tired of the narrow scope afforded by the world of man, nothing could content me but to live in the green Jade Heaven.
Why should heaven's halls have always one master?
In earthly dynasties, king succeeds king.
The strong to the stronger must yield precedence and place.
Hero is he alone who vies with powers supreme."

What ya think? Monkey the first Sith before Sith lol? You think these type of story's arnt just for bed time? Maybe a bit more?
I have to admit , at times , I feel like the Monkey king in this story, the Buddha wins at the end over a bargain but in the end, it got me thinking, I'm so like monkey sometimes.]]>Open DiscussionsFri, 06 Sep 2019 20:05:12 +0000Why do people hate? - by: Dao and Dehttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122884-why-do-people-hate?start=10#343393
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122884-why-do-people-hate?start=10#343393

Proteus wrote: So there are multiple facets to what creates hate, as I cannot hate a stove for having burned me when I touch it. Psychological / Emotional pain is involved with fear, anger, love, jealousy and all kinds of other emotions depending on the situation, all as a mechanism for survival.

This is a VERY helpful way to look at it. To take stock of what, specifically, has caused you to feel that pain, and to recognize that it's not your place to condemn something (or someone) governed by the laws of nature (a part of the Force, if you will!)

Like the anecdote about the monk who saves the scorpion from drowning: "Why do you help it, if all it will do is sting you?" and he replies: "to sting is its nature. To help it, is mine."]]>Open DiscussionsFri, 06 Sep 2019 16:39:11 +0000The Coolest thing since the TOTJO Thong! - by: Moonbornhttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/113546-the-coolest-thing-since-the-totjo-thong?start=20#343387
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/113546-the-coolest-thing-since-the-totjo-thong?start=20#343387
I don't know if I am the best source for ordering them, as I feel that most people here are US-based, which I am not. But let's see first, if there is a demand for the patches here.]]>Open DiscussionsFri, 06 Sep 2019 16:00:45 +0000Can't be a Jedi if you support Trump...? - by: ZealotXhttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122833-can-t-be-a-jedi-if-you-support-trump?start=210#343382
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122833-can-t-be-a-jedi-if-you-support-trump?start=210#343382

Deimos wrote: Zealot: Just out of curiosity, what sites would you suggest I look into for a factual account of the Russia Gate stuff?

This is probably the most complete resource you're going to find. It even includes claims by Anastasia Vashukevich. One thing to remember is that the people involved weren't trying to get caught so there wasn't physical evidence to prove they were conspiring. So instead they were trying to get people to flip on each other and use that testimony but even that can only go so far because not everyone who might flip knew enough about what each other were doing. Manafort was probably more in bed with the Russians than anyone, including Trump, ever realized. The fact that he volunteered to work for free wasn't enough of a clue for them. We also have Jared asking for a secret communications channel with the Kremlin that couldn't be monitored by U.S. agencies. But again, without people being put under oath and having enough leverage to get them to flip its going to be too hard to catch them. This is the problem with crime families in general. It's very difficult to actually link everything back to the top guy. And Cohen explained this in his testimony, saying that Trump doesn't give explicit orders in order to have that kind of plausible deniability. That's why when he tells his aids to go ahead and break the law to get the border wall built before the election and he'll pardon them, he can play it off like it was a joke when in reality that's what he wants them to do.

A lot of people don't seem to understand that the burden of proof needed in court is a higher bar than proving that there was quid pro quo. Russian adoption was code for the Magnitsky Act. These sanctions froze assets of individuals who are believed to be holding money for Putin himself. So the reality is that Putin had more than enough motivation to help Trump get elected without the kind of conspiring that people were looking for. He just needed to know that if he helped Trump that there was a good possibility Trump would undo these sanctions. And that's why Flynn was involved and talking about sanctions before Trump got into office. And the fact that Trump personally has debt in Deutche bank means that Putin can basically freeze his assets or use some regulation to cause him to forfeit and I don't know how much of Trump's assets could basically be taken if he can no longer get loans or if there's some other way they can "repossess" his assets. But doing anything like that would be very public and would seriously damage any potential relations with the US and the G7 and almost ensure the Matnitsky Act remained permanent. So even though Putin has him by the balls it would also reveal too much if he were to actually squeeze.]]>Open DiscussionsFri, 06 Sep 2019 13:10:26 +0000Is the Dark Side Stronger? - by: _Vergere_https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122859-is-the-dark-side-stronger?start=20#343289
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122859-is-the-dark-side-stronger?start=20#343289

elizabeth wrote: I dont actually believe the force is either light or dark. I think that the intent comes from the individual.

Well said.

The only dark side you need fear is the one in your own heart.]]>Open DiscussionsThu, 05 Sep 2019 00:50:54 +0000Traitor - by: _Vergere_https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122877-traitor#343288
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122877-traitor#343288Star Wars: Traitor?

CaesarEJW wrote: I give up.
I feel even if I did properly explain myself, it would be useless.... Not to mention I'm going through a really low point in my life, and I was hoping this place would be a friendly environment where we could talk constructively about stuff instead of being all mentally combative....

I don't think your posts here are useless, Caesar. I think they are visionary and stirring. That their content has been challenged by someone whose mindset seems more literal and concrete than your own - someone whose viewpoint I also find valuable and thought-provoking - does not diminish what you have shared.

I stand in awe of the vastness of the universe in which we live. But I forget sometimes, during the daily concerns about work, bills, and the messy parts of my home, that it actually is so awe-inspiring. We - some of us, anyway - need words like those you've shared as a reminder.

Another point about being useful: I've recently been contemplating leaving the Temple. Your openness here has convinced me to stay. That strikes at the very heart of making a difference.

Video doesn’t belong to me so all rights and credit are none of mine and should belong to their respected areas and such and this link may even expire ... so with all that said ...

Second chances come often in life. For the hardest of heads like myself , I’m grateful for those few folk in my path who were a bit stronger and gave me an extended version of their patience and gave me the third and some times 6 chance to make things different.
When do we stop trying and giving that chance? It’s obvious - results vary but is there evidence from both sides for and against that can be ... used ... to give more than take? Can we recognize better ? Are there patterns or evidence ? How can we as a whole - Temple and humans- get better ?]]>Open DiscussionsThu, 29 Aug 2019 15:05:21 +0000TEST POSTING For Moderator Practice - by: Carlos.Martinez3https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122836-test-posting-for-moderator-practice#342733
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122836-test-posting-for-moderator-practice#342733

The Jedi s time is done. I am here to finish your training. Pm me for further training.]]>Open DiscussionsThu, 29 Aug 2019 12:53:09 +0000Absence of Evidence - by: Adderhttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122826-absence-of-evidence?start=10#342725
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122826-absence-of-evidence?start=10#342725
In short, working in the space where evidence is difficult has tended to be where the usefulness of using the Force as a working concept has found itself nested. I guess in a way it could be argued as 'a way' to define Sith and Jedi methods, being the former is radical; fast yet fiery, being different in justifying more self suffering (ie passion) since to me its a lot about perception and awareness more then some out of body phenomena. While the latter is more conservative; slower yet resolute.

It's on my signature.]]>Open DiscussionsTue, 27 Aug 2019 20:22:47 +0000The Freedom to Hate - by: rugaddhttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122820-the-freedom-to-hate?start=50#342484
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122820-the-freedom-to-hate?start=50#342484Open DiscussionsTue, 27 Aug 2019 19:21:37 +0000Safe for Young Children - by: Brickhttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122812-safe-for-young-children?start=10#342455
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122812-safe-for-young-children?start=10#342455
Though I'm not sure who the Youth Officers are anymore? Used to be Edan and JRoz for a bit. Edan definitely isn't around anymore, not sure about JRoz? Edan actually used to get in touch with their parent/guardians and confirm that they were happy for their child to be on here.

So we certainly USED TO BE about as good as anyone could expect us to be at making the place safe for kids.]]>Open DiscussionsTue, 27 Aug 2019 15:24:08 +0000Ending the Myth of Racism - by: Uzima Motohttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122785-ending-the-myth-of-racism?start=60#342134
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122785-ending-the-myth-of-racism?start=60#342134

ZealotX wrote: You'd have to be a tad more specific. What history did I bring up? And how was it inaccurate?

Well, the bit about the United States labeling blacks 3/5ths a person. When, constitutionally, that's not the fact. In reality, the US Constitution is anti-slavery. Also, historically, slavery has been outlawed in some colonies since the Revolution. Also, you said the racial nature of its laws was unique which is specifically comparing us with outside nations. Which would also be false. Since Spain was first to make race laws during the colonial period..

neither is the idea that discrimination causes the "gender pay gap"

what I said was...

but let's say we were having a discussion about equal pay for women. Talking about how women were treated in other societies has what to do with equal treatment in the present?

your response made me have to go back and look at what I said because I'm not sure how this response led to that. Can you act like I just asked the question again and provide a clear answer? The point was that shifting past blame doesn't negate what's happening in the present. As far as the gender pay gap not being caused by discrimination, if you mean discrimination isn't the sole cause then yes I'd agree. Just like discrimination has never been the singular sole cause of black unemployment. However it is 'a' cause.

The reasons for lower pay include both individual choice and other innate and external factors. An example of a voluntary choice is choosing to work part-time when full-time employment is available. An example of an involuntary choice is working a low-skill job because of an inability to access higher education. An example of an external factor is discrimination.

and if you direct your attention to the right column of the page you'll see it is "Part of a series on Discrimination"

you've used this 'information' as an example of propaganda. However, in this instance you seem to be incorrect so is it possible that some things you have accepted as "propaganda" are actually true? Because if it's true then it isn't "bending reality" as you put it. But if you are convinced by "alternative facts" (alternate propaganda) then you might believe reality isn't real and become biased against facts, regarding them as propaganda. I'd like to reiterate I'm not saying this is true in your case. I'm merely pointing at the possibility that you could be wrong, just as the possibility exists that I could be wrong.

You judge Propaganda by its affect on the target. In this case, discrimination isn't the main, or even major, cause behind the pay gap. Choice is the biggest factor. However, what would be the answer of the average person unaware of the numbers? That's the Propaganda.. then what would be your solution?? Would your solution take choice away?..

You also can't have alternative facts, just alternative points of view..

Besides, discrimination is natural. Humans do it all the time when exercising their freedom of association. Laws won't get rid of it. Because even though institutionalized Racism has been illegal for decades now. Racists still find ways to selectively enforce blanket laws and create laws that target the common habits of certain demographics.. that's what happens when govermnent has too much power, though..

I never said get rid of your cultural identity,

Sorry, but that's how I interpreted you saying that you didn't identify as African American. If you say Texan American that reflects state pride and that's fine for you but although I was born in Ohio and am an "Ohioan", that's not my ethnic origin and usually words like "Italian American, Mexican American, African American, like French Canadian, signify an origin beyond and outside of North America (or Canada). I see no reason to change any of these. If you're Texan... you're American. So, not to be critical, but it seems a little redundant. If you say you're Texan everyone knows you're American because you can't be Texan without being American. I'm also Jamaican American on my father's side. The American part is what unites us all. If people feel divided because of the prefix then that would seem to be their problem, not mine. I love all types of Americans because it's the diversity that makes us stronger.

American is the same as African, it's a reference to the Continent.. Neither are actual nationalities.. Mexicans from Mexico are American as well..

I didn't refer to culture. I specifically pointed to the societal and legal as the things this change would affect. Because nationality isn't an idea, it's a function of the Law FIRST and foremost. I'm not referring to your ethnic identity nor mine. My ancestry goes back to Africa more than likely and I relate wholly to the "Black" experience. However, Texan is my nationality, by right. Because Texas was the nation I was born to.. as Ohio is for you.. according to Law, not culture, you are Ohioan.. by right.. in the USA, that nationality comes with sovereignty that makes you the State, instead of the govermnent.

but you have to stop "group thinking" in order to understand my perspective.

Ouch. So now you're assuming that I'm group thinking.... not that its possible that certain opinions in the black community are shared because they are based on valid observations that we come to independent of each other. And that some people may not arrive at those same opinions. Does that make everyone else automatically some kind of monolithic borg collective?[/quote]

There's nothing wrong with shared opinions or shared experience.. but to identify with that experience, or more specifically a certain interpretation of that experience, is dangerous. Because our interpretations can be wrong, those conclusions could be misguided.. and they could have a person react or act in ways that are counterproductive to peace or justice..

Because institutionalized racism is illegal in America and has never been a federal policy.

okay? You're just not explaining to me why Federal law or policy should shape any discussion on racism and white supremacy. White supremacists don't really abide by the law at all times. That's why they wear hoods. Lynching was never legal. Of course if you can change policy to allow things like voter suppression then that does make racism legal in that particular instance. Black voters aren't suppressed because it is antithetical to the black agenda... obviously... so who's agenda then? If its purely about conservative values isn't one of those values to be conserved "democracy"? And how do you have democracy if at any time you can say who the mob is to who gets to rule and make it not about numbers? And sure you could argue that voter suppression isn't a policy. However redistricting is and there is no law to prevent doing so based on where African Americans are concentrated. Why not? Who would vote against such an attempt at improving equality?

There is also policy on drugs that treated cocaine differently from crack. Is there some significant reason for this, other than targeting minorities? And come on... we even have admissions that the drug policies were specifically aimed at the black community that go all the way up to the white house. So if you're looking for some "central master policy" okay... you got me. There isn't ONE. Rather there are "policies", plural, that targeted African Americans. Not to mention... you do have to understand federalism vs states rights which I'm sure you do. There was no federal law which prevented the Jim Crow laws at the state level. Remember that Slavery was more so about economics in the South. So by the time there was a "United States" we were too divided on the issue for there to be a federal policy in support of racism. Instead, what you have is the federal government not preventing STATE and LOCAL governments from such things as Jim Crow, segregation, etc. It was largely a state issue and if blacks couldn't get out of those states then... oh well?[/quote]

Something that is institutionalized is inescapable. Jim Crowe and Slavery were inescapable. Voter and Drug laws are escapable because you can get ID or not sell crack.. that's the key difference..

States' rights still exist. That's why slavery was acknowledged by the federal constitution. In a Federal Republic, the States joining themselves together voluntarily don't cease to be States or relinquish any sovereignty thereof save for what the delegate.. federalism IS states rights.. there couldnt be a federal law of Racism unless it was unanimous among the States themselves.. especially when some northern states had already outlawed slavery before the current Constitution was written..

Anybody can be racist. I know some racist black folks. Give them the power and they'd be just as oppressive..

Umm.... So... they don't have power then. So when you say anyone "can be" racist you can't really say you know racists if they don't have the power to oppress. You're saying they are something based on an assumption of what they'd do if they had power. But you say they don't have power. So how can they presently be the thing that takes power to be? But even if they had power. Let's say they were circuit court judges. Whites could appeal on such a basis. Let's say black officer shoots a white person because for some reason they were more afraid of their lives because of that person being white. Let's pretend that happened. What are the chances the case would then go to one of the racist black folk you know and how many of them would have to be in the judicial system for the family of that victim to receive justice? What are the chances that an all black jury would be selected to protect the police officer?

Racism and white supremacy isn't an individual sport. So the idea that black people can determine the future or be in the position to deal out "prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or control." maybe something your friends may fantasize about but simply do not have. You can't oppress or control people without the power to do so. Now if you want to say everyone can be racist by a definition of racist that is more like bigotry or discrimination or prejudice or something like that, I don't have a problem with that. Like I said before, I'm not calling the normal definition wrong for those who wish to use it. However, again, for me, that definition is lacking and doesn't capture the full context of "racism/white supremacy". So that's why **I**, while not forcing anyone else to use it, use a different definition. Someone wanted to argue with me based on the definition THEY were using and while true for THAT definition, as I said, is not true for the definition I am using and have used in this thread.

I'm saying anyone is capable of being racist by having prejudice thoughts based on race. Same with bigoted thoughts. When categorized by race, it becomes racism. Prejudice can be based on gender, class, nationality, etc.. but racial prejudice is RACISM.. no power needed, what you're speaking on is racial oppression or racial discrimination.. it's all racism.. so, black people who are prejudice against those of European decent are racists.. plain and simple, you can't use your own "alternative facts" when talking about these things..

Racism comes down to the individual. That's all it's ever been. Groups aren't racist, individuals are.. when individuals who share the same opinion or ideas get together. They can cause great good or great evil..

Propagandizing history was a huge part of that negative thinking

There is some truth to that, but if the truth was taught in school propaganda of this sort wouldn't be nearly as effective. People who are lied to are going to be hungry for truth and may not filter it because the lie was prevailing. Similar to distrust in government produces conspiracy theories. Many people are prone to one or more of them because they distrust the government. And while we can blame the individual the government does conceal information and operate outside the wishes of the majority of its citizens to serve private interests. So what are people supposed to think about that? Positive thoughts? Trump simply harnessed the negative thinking of everyone who distrusted the government, was worried about their jobs and money, and yes some who are racists and hated having a black president.

The fact that Conspiracy theories do sometimes become Conspiracy Facts gave rise to conspiracy theorists..

Using the definition of your choice instead of the proper definition is an effect of Propaganda. Now you're aiming at an ideology that is defunct instead of the actual crimes of our treasonous govermnent. REAL White Supremacy was started by the likes of Cecil Rhodes and Margaret Sanger. Eugenicists and Anglophiles. You've heard of Rhodes Scholars, I'm sure.. and Planned Parenthood.. that caricature of a good ol boy with a Confederate Flag is useful Propaganda.. but it isn't "White Supremacy" in the ACTUAL historical sense of the movement..

The United States of America, being a Union of Nations founded on Racism is a lie.. but if you can get people to think that about the past. They'll misinterpret their present situation and possibly react wrongly in the future..

Yabuturtle wrote: Does anyone believe that when something happens, it was because it was the will of the force? Or perhaps coincidence or both?

Was there something that happened in your life that you felt was the will of the force? Whether it was finding something, someone, spiritual enlightenment or learning a new skill? Have you always felt it was the force guiding you? If so, how and what did it feel like? Do you feel the force really does work in mysterious ways or perhaps is it more clear than we realize?

What a great question! I know my perspective contradicts others, but my answer is "yes".

I am recalling a point in my life when I was in crisis for an extended period. Amid the turmoil I was experiencing, seeming miracles seemed to occur ... leading me from one person to another, each one with something to contribute. I did not consciously arrange meetings with these specific people to occur; they just happened as a result of what unfolded as I pursued my day-to-day schedule. The timing, spontaneity, and regularity of their appearance was just too much to be coincidence. I believe I'd be a lesser person today without their influence, and I treasure their presence in my life still, even after decades.

I've never had anything sustained like that happen, with such perfect timing, before or since. I've always had the sense it was the result of a will beyond my own - something caring, kindly, and helpful. It may have been the answer to prayers offered a decade earlier ... I couldn't say for sure, but the outcome fits.

Those that require double-blind testing or subject-independent tests possibly won't be satisfied with subjective testimony like this. But, if we use the movie-themed version of the Force as an example - it is by definition something felt, something sensed. The fictional heroes repeatedly say "Reach out with your feelings," and emphasize how our experience of the Force is intertwined with our emotions. Luke, in his encounter with the dark side on on Dagobah, said "It feels cold right here." Yoda, addressing Dooku, asserted "The dark side I sense in you." Nobody in the films ever said "The needle on the Force-o-meter is off the scale." I do not think evidence is always meaningless because it is subjective.

Phoenix Vidensia wrote: Grow up. Please, just mature to the point you stop using asinine internet slang or whatever that is.

Never! ]]>Open DiscussionsMon, 19 Aug 2019 20:57:13 +0000True power - by: Koboshttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122788-true-power#341338
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122788-true-power#341338
Much Love, Respect and Peace,
Kobos]]>Open DiscussionsFri, 16 Aug 2019 21:33:26 +0000Is tribalism a problem we should be attacking? - by: rugaddhttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122781-is-tribalism-a-problem-we-should-be-attacking?start=10#341231
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122781-is-tribalism-a-problem-we-should-be-attacking?start=10#341231Open DiscussionsWed, 14 Aug 2019 17:39:30 +0000Seeing what I can do to help them - by: Lundrahttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122782-seeing-what-i-can-do-to-help-them#341166
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122782-seeing-what-i-can-do-to-help-them#341166
If a small girl who has absolutly no dept perception, and goes left when someone says go right more often than not, who started out thinking there was no way she would pass the driving test, let alone the backing test could do it then go on to drive in almost all of the 48 states alone with only a poodle for protection and companionship, I am sure anyone can. (Somehow missed South Dakota, but I hear it is much the same as North Dakota)

You learn as you go, practice helps, if he has trouble backing, just go out and back into multiple parking spots durring your free time. It also doesn't hurt to make friends with some drivers who have been doing it for a long time. They are often more than happy to tell their tips and tricks they have learned over the years. Such things saved my neck more than once. The mixed advice from trainers comes from the fact that there are multiple ways to do many things. Some ways work better for some more than others. I will not add to that confusion by giving more probably contradicting advice, however, I do want to give encouragement. Sometimes that is the weapon most effective in helping a person succeed.

As for you and the navy, I have also been there. If you set your mind to it and remember when times get hard the reason you joined, it will be enough to push you through. I won't lie and say that being in the navy is easy, its anything but. However, joining was one of the best decisions I ever made in my life to this point. I chose not to stay in, but if I had to do it all over, its a choice I would make a lot easier than I did the first time, and I would sign up again, and most likely only do the 4 years again.

I hope this encouragement helps you and your brother, and I invite you to ask me any questions you wish to ask. If I don't know an answer I will try to find it. Its scary to be starting in either of those jobs/carreers. Lives are on the line, after all. However, some of the best people I have ever met were truck drivers and sailors. (Some of the worst too, seem to get both extreems more commonly than in other places at least in my experience.) So, hang in there, and keep pushing, you both are likely to surprise yourselves.]]>Open DiscussionsSat, 10 Aug 2019 22:00:27 +0000Rational VS. Emotional, OR, Why We Clash The Way We Do - by: Carlos.Martinez3https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122777-rational-vs-emotional-or-why-we-clash-the-way-we-do?start=20#341164
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122777-rational-vs-emotional-or-why-we-clash-the-way-we-do?start=20#341164Open DiscussionsSat, 10 Aug 2019 17:44:25 +0000The Value of An Individual - by: JamesSandhttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122780-the-value-of-an-individual?start=10#341127
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122780-the-value-of-an-individual?start=10#341127

I’ve noticed a disturbing trend. I’ve noticed that no matter the value of a person’s contributions or previous virtue in society, all this is erased the moment a person is suspected or confirmed as one of today’s taboo things to be. Ie: homophobic, misogynist, transphobic, racist.

Oh, what I'm saying is that your intro sounds like the heading to every huffpost article ever, and correct me if I'm way off, but this feels like continuation-bleating along with two or three other current-threads here at TotJO, which as a "trend" is part of the TotJOs inane cycle of grinding a conversation into pieces over a week (maybe two) and then they all sink to the bottom of the internet never to be seen again, and no one is really any better off for it.

My more or less needless vitriolic commentary aside, this is (I think?) an issue I agree with you on, or possibly, you agree with me, depending on how you look at "ownership" of ideas.

ANYWAY, curing cancer is a bit airy-fairy as a concept of the "best thing a person could do", and "having -ist ideas" is also a bit lame as "the worst thing a person can have"

Maybe we can consider lesser-goods, and more clear "bads", possibly even refer to life for an example - possibly even some of the data points in your trend..(but we'll make it hypothetical, so we don't get mired in the fog of facts and beliefs that may exist in the real world)

Let's say an entertainer, lets call him Spevin Kasey, has entertained millions for years, and been granted all sorts of awards (entertainment specific awards, with criteria like "Is entertaining", "contributes to entertainment" and suchlike)
And then, after a period of time, it is discovered or determined, one way or another, that he sexually assaulted an underage person.

Now, in the fictional case of Spevin Kasey, let's say the facts as given above are true and correct.

It would seem, under whatever jurisdiction, that Spevin would have to face penalties for the crime that did occur - but does that also mean he should be stripped of awards and accolades for other achievements, none of which included criteria of "Don't touch kids" ?

(I am aware that organisations may put caveats in their titles, like "in good standing" or "of good repute" and stuff, so that it is embedded in the award that the receiver is also a pillar of the community in other ways, but again, for the purposes of clarifying your position, lets say those are not criteria)

Just leaving a space, because I walked away for a bit, and this is a further watered down idea, more in the realms of our day-to-day decision making of how we deal with people in our spheres - how do you feel about competence vs being personable?

Lets say, hypothetically, the general manager of X Brand is...incredibly competent. They keep the place running, they ensure good business relationships with all suppliers, they make sure there is good insurance/healthcare for the staff, that rosters and hours are fair and lawful, that rest periods are adhered to by line managers, that everyone receives their allowance of sick days or compassionate leave days, they build the business so that everyone has secure employment and opportunity for advancement, everything you could want in a general manager - they are good at.

but they are also have no people skills. They don't talk to anyone who works under them, they never visit the staff, they're standoffish, possibly even rude, maybe you'd even be offended by them - perhaps they refer to the staff as "plebs" or "worker ants" who knows, for whatever reason, they are incredibly unlikable, to whatever extent it is allowable to be unlikable without it being a crime, maybe they smell bad, whatever - but they are efficient and effective.

Do you say "he's a bad person" ? or do you say "the manager is a bit eccentric, but i wouldn't have anyone else in the job" ?

Water it down more - Do you really care what the politics of your local barista is, as long as they make good coffee?

Now the least good vs a big bad - Would you drink coffee made by a child molester? or is the nature of their crime such that nothing else they ever do as a human is acceptable at any level?]]>Open DiscussionsFri, 09 Aug 2019 22:05:05 +0000Compassion Ration - by: Lundrahttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122763-compassion-ration?start=10#340944
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122763-compassion-ration?start=10#340944
To me, forgiveness and compassion often relate, but they are not dependant on each other. Compassion seems to happen regardless, it seems to be a core part of my personality. There is at least one person I can name certainly that I have had compassion for but I have not forgiven.

I think people can and do change, but they also can and do remain stagnant. Sometimes the hurt that may or may not be forgiven has no chance of happening again, sometimes it will certainly happen again. Sometimes it is not about if it will happen again but rather the intent of the hurt. (Was it on purpose or not?)

As an example, the person I have not forgiven, but feel compassion for, intentionally hurt me, and is stagnant, or unwilling to change. I understand that that person's reasons are because it is the only way they know to deal with their own problems and concerns. Perhaps they were raised that way, perhaps it is an answer they came to on their own, but it is cemented into them now. I still love them, but I cannot allow myself to continue to be hurt, so I must take action and move on by removing that person from my life.

5. Jedi understand that well-being consists in the physical, the mental and the spiritual. A Jedi trains each to ensure they remain capable of performing their duties to the best of their ability. All of these are interconnected and essential parts of our training in becoming more harmonious with the Force.

This goes in hand with my understanding of this at this time. No one can be able to perform at their best if there is someone they are forgiving that is constantly repeating the same hurt.

At the same time, there are times when not forgiving has just as damaging a result. It can end a friendship that could continue to help someone grow and stay at the top of their abilities. Often times, it is our piers that help keep us at our best by chalenging us or supporting us when we need it.

I believe too that there is a time to wait and see. Sometimes the answer is not clear as to weather it is best to forgive or not. It is not always evident if the offense will be repeated, or if it was a mistake. Nor is it always evident if a person will change or not.

We are responsible for all things we choose. Action or inaction have influence. In the end, I think that forgiveness is a decision that should be treated seriously, like all other decisions. Information needs to be gathered, wisdom applied to that information.

Compassion for me happens like breathing, I am naturally dispositioned to put myself in the place of others. Perhaps it is due to my own life experiences and not wanting to ever hurt anyone like I have been hurt. That is a topic that stands by itself. I have never reached a point where I no longer felt compassion. I have at times reached points where I no longer cared about myself. I ceased to have compassion for myself in darker times of my life just to get through the day, week, or month. This actually happened while I was forgiving someone who I should not have been forgiving, and also when dealing with someone who no longer functions with reason or logic for too long without any breaks or self care. (Alztimers patient)]]>Open DiscussionsMon, 05 Aug 2019 21:41:30 +0000Random Food Adventures of Halcyon - by: silentpackhttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/120869-random-food-adventures-of-halcyon#340901
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/120869-random-food-adventures-of-halcyon#340901
Try this dude.

Remember a potato can catch fire if you cook too long. If you want a good result, then you have to bake around five minutes, so it doesn’t burn up or even explode.

Check Out this for full Recipe:
bit.ly/335NcOe
]]>Open DiscussionsSun, 04 Aug 2019 23:02:03 +0000Moderates - by: renhttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122739-moderates?start=10#340795
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122739-moderates?start=10#340795
They don't belong on a left to right scale, or a moderate to extreme scale, they are completely different ideas.

People can look at the NHS as a socialist if not communist principle, when in my view it should be presented as a sound investment that makes economical sense... Socialist in action, capitalist in principle. Helping people = more money.]]>Open DiscussionsThu, 01 Aug 2019 23:25:32 +0000Sithism - by: Phoenix Vidensiahttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/110273-sithism?start=120#340772
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/110273-sithism?start=120#340772

Uzima Moto wrote:

Tempest Nox wrote: Uzima,

Fancy that, you’re familiar with that ol’ ritual. However, you don’t seem familiar with the reasons for the ritual itself. In other words, I’m reading a lot of conspiracy rhetoric, not much else.

Whatever excuses given, I see its affect on the practitioners through their real world activities.. like some members of the Bush Family..
Details please?]]>Open DiscussionsThu, 01 Aug 2019 02:26:29 +0000Personal Code - by: Proteushttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122723-personal-code?start=10#340741
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122723-personal-code?start=10#340741
Do things as they do.
Know not one but all.
Know not all but one.
Breathe and feel life.
Smile and know joy.
Laugh and know play.
Nothing else matters.]]>Open DiscussionsTue, 30 Jul 2019 17:38:03 +0000Jediism - Known as a "Hyper-real Religion" - by: Carlos.Martinez3https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122743-jediism-known-as-a-hyper-real-religion#340643
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122743-jediism-known-as-a-hyper-real-religion#340643

Proteus wrote: Jacob, in the TOTJO discord chat brought up the term "Hyper-real Religion", in response to religiously related education material over-using "I Statements". I recognized the term but forgot exactly what it described, so I looked it up on Wikipedia.

Hyper-Real Religion is a sociological term coined to describe a new consumer trend in acquiring and enacting spirituality. The term was first described in the book Religion and Popular Culture: A Hyper-Real Testament by Adam Possamai.[1] The term is used to explore the intersection between post-modernity and religion/spirituality. The idea has been expanded and critiqued by a number of academics since its creation.

Origins and Usage

According to theories of postmodernisation, the last half of the 20th century (often termed as the 'postmodern era') saw consumerism, individualisation and choice come to the forefront of Western societies via capitalism.[2][3][4] Thus religion as a part of this culture became increasingly commercial, individualised and democratized.[5] People now have more choices in religion, they can often practice it in privacy and as they wish, outside of traditional institutional boundaries.[6] Due to this change, the sociology of religion has become increasingly interested in the potential for typologization of the modes of non-institutional religion and the foundation of non-institutional religion in human nature.[6][7][8]

It has become increasingly clear that the people leaving the structures and ceremonies of traditional religions are not instantly becoming non-religious in an atheistic sense. For example, some continue ‘believing without belonging’ to a church,[6] others turn to alternative spiritualities[8] and others, as discussed by Possamai, turn to consumer based religions/spiritualties partly based on popular culture, what he calls "hyper-real religions." With hyper-real religion, elements from religions and popular culture are highly intertwined.[1] They are post-modern expressions of religion, likely to be consumed and individualised, and thus have more relevance to the self than to a community and/or congregation.[1] Thus in postmodern times, the relation between people and religion/spirituality is very fluid; if modernity brought the disenchantment of the world, as Max Weber puts it, postmodernity is re-enchanting the world through a proliferation of 'subjective myths' (myths that are relevant to the self) and through the expansion of consumerism and the internet.

Possamai explains that the concept of hyper-real religions is derived from the work of Jean Baudrillard. Baudrillard put forward that we are living in an age of hyper-reality in which we are fascinated by simulations that lack a real world referent or ‘simulcra’.[9] Possamai[10] sees these simulations as part of the popular cultural milieu, in which “signs get their meanings from their relations with each other, rather than by reference to some independent reality or standard”. With no way to “distinguish the real from the unreal”, Hyper-reality – the situation in which reality collapses – emerges. For example, we may refer to a person as being like Superman or Homer Simpson, rather than a real-life example of a hero or dunce, and theme parks represent movies or Disney creations rather than real life.[1] The fictional character and world become more real for us than the real person or real world.[11] Possamai,[1] as Geoffroy[11] puts it, ‘re-adapted’ Baudrillard’s theory by applying it to religions that are engaged with these same simulated realities. In the most obvious examples, the Church of All Worlds draws its inspiration largely from Robert Heinlein’s Stranger in a Strange Land, Jediism draws on George Lucas’ Star Wars mythology and Matrixism on The Matrix film franchise.[1][10] Following these ideas Possamai defined hyper-real religions as:

...a simulacrum of a religion partly created out of popular culture which provides inspiration for believers/consumers at a metaphorical level.[1]

Following critiques in the Handbook of Hyper-real Religions,[10] Possamai modifies his original[1] definition of hyper-real religions to:

A hyper-real religion is a simulacrum of a religion created out of, or in symbiosis with, commodified popular culture which provides inspiration at a metaphorical level and/or is a source of beliefs in everyday life.

Would you consider this to be an accurate description of Jediism?
Hey Pro - I would say that one of the “joys” of at least , my own Jedi ism, is that it ... CAN... be a option or a definition like many other things we can choose. It all depends. Partly on what’s chosen and by who. Seeking character is a more difficult thing to do and even more is labeling it. Not my cup of tea. Level maker that is ... I find it neat that we as modern day Jeddist even our own labels and ideas. There was a neat “kay fabe “ idea that came out as well that makes me think of this description as well. Labels that fit almost anywhere. How do you label or name working that can be adjusted or tailored to anyone of the 7 billion individual hearts... pretty tough some days! Lol .
If I create soothing and dwell in it - does that make it constant?

I’ve read countless articles of individuals overcoming things for the better of groups of small people. Wouldn’t that be a different type of world to live in ? People just acting like people not for fame or favor but just to help.? Anyhow - I like the idea of “hyper real religion “ because then what will the hyper real religion of the hyper real religion look like? Maybe THATS Jedi ism ? Maybe it’s both ? Hmm? Thanks for the ideas and thought. I’ll be looking and keeping up with this thread if I can! Thanks]]>Open DiscussionsFri, 26 Jul 2019 17:45:09 +0000So tell me, what does this number mean to you? - by: Adderhttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/4730-so-tell-me-what-does-this-number-mean-to-you?start=10#340605
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/4730-so-tell-me-what-does-this-number-mean-to-you?start=10#340605
But the scale of the problem only gets bigger the wider it reaches, so foreign affairs is particularly difficult to swallow the sacrifice but also complex with a big temporal footprint. Military is even worse because of the required secrecy in operation strategies and tactics. So People are left to argue the decision making, with whatever narrative seems likely, usually with the benefit of hindsight but rarely with the capacity to consider the range of information shaping the decision.]]>Open DiscussionsWed, 24 Jul 2019 02:02:01 +0000Betsy Ross Flag vs Colin Kaepernick (controversial) - by: renhttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122697-betsy-ross-flag-vs-colin-kaepernick-controversial?start=50#340531
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122697-betsy-ross-flag-vs-colin-kaepernick-controversial?start=50#340531

I am relatively new to this path and have been looking into all the different forms of Jedi (Jedi, Grey Jedi, Dark Jedi, etc.) and I was wondering what is really the difference between them all? From what I have looked up and understand I fall more towards the Grey Jedi, but want some more clarification on this to see what really is the path I have in mind.

TotJO itself, as a...jedi church doesn't really teach, or use shades or whatever. There is Jediism, and how you apply it.

Some of the other Jedi communities do use them a bit more, and have specific teachings or paths for those with whatever preference. Presumably with matching robes, amulets, and secret passwords.

A few members here may or may not give themselves adjectives, maybe it makes them cooler or something, but it rarely has any bearing on much other than their dress sense and music choices.

This question is about the language of words that aren't exactly used in polite company so if you're offended by a clinical discussion of such nature or are not mature enough to participate in this, please just skip this thread

I very purposely included that short disclaimer and set of instructions because I wanted to have mature discussion. I do talk about vulgarity but your flippant comments don't. If it was a guest or a novice, I would've ignored it, but I expect better of you. Your combative and needlessly coarse language in your post aren't conducive to mature discussion.

I am mature enough to discuss words I hear every day. As you must have figured out by now, those words do not upset me.

You appear upset. Why? Is it because the words upset you, or do you only want them discussed in a way you like? Did you read your own disclaimer?

I mean a lot of insults came from a descriptive term. Vulgar meant having to do with the hoi polloi and the progression to it meaning uncouth is pretty straightforward.
The divergence in the paths of dick and cunt (in American English) still bugs me. Is dick going to become a stronger term? Is cunt going to be reappropriated? Will there always be a pejorative set of words to describe genitalia (as opposed to a common and/or clinical one)?

Athena_Undomiel wrote: Typically it is the practice that should be the focus, not necessarily the belief. If a person is being a "good" human being, what does it matter where the credit goes? I think that some people get hung up on the belief aspect, and lose sight of the action, where religion is concerned. If a person does good deeds and is truly selfless, does it matter what they believe or who's name they are committing these acts in? Can we not give credit where credit is due? To the individual? I think that's what draws some to Jediism, why does someone else need credit for my deeds, for my selflessness, why can I not have the credit for being a good person? Jediism allows for the individual to accept and acknowledge their individual choices.

Considering that mainstream Christianity teaches us that we can only be saved through God's Grace, and that heaven is not bought with good deeds but through faith, what you or I think the focus should be is irrelevant when some fanatic who takes the Bible literally wants to condemn someone for thinking differently. That certainly isn't the ideal of what Jesus meant his followers to be, but it is the reality of what those followers are nowadays.
I've noticed many who call themselves Christians have either missed this part or ignore it.

The Final Judgment Matthew 25

31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. Then othe King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you qwho are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, aI was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, c‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers,6 you did it to me.’

41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For iI was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ 44 Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ 45 Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ 46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous kinto leternal life.”

Anyway, I'm of the belief that people are still pretty much the same as they were 50 years ago when it comes to being outraged about "stuff" - what's new is the platform they are able to voice their outrage on.]]>Open DiscussionsThu, 27 Jun 2019 16:41:08 +0000Gratitude and Transformation - by: Manuhttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122659-gratitude-and-transformation#340065
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122659-gratitude-and-transformation#340065
]]>Open DiscussionsThu, 27 Jun 2019 14:22:15 +0000Hi friends I'm Carlos , got any ???s? - by: Carlos.Martinez3https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/118533-hi-friends-i-m-carlos-got-any-s?start=30#340058
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/118533-hi-friends-i-m-carlos-got-any-s?start=30#340058Open DiscussionsThu, 27 Jun 2019 05:33:11 +0000True Knowledge - by: ZealotXhttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122651-true-knowledge?start=10#340039
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122651-true-knowledge?start=10#340039
I "used to know a lot" about computers because at that time I inhaled all computer related information. Now, relatively speaking, I still "know a lot about computers" but there's way more that I don't know now because computers have changed so much in the last 20 years.

knowledge is kind of like those linear equations in Algebra III where gone are the days of simply dealing with numbers... now you're dealing with symbols and infinity. Knowledge is infinite. And what we know doesn't include to knowledge of everything we don't know and everything we have yet to know.

Now if one is content in simply not knowing anything then it's fine if one doesn't seek knowledge. If one doesn't want to know then one is free to believe whatever they want. But belief has no regulations. You could be any degree of wrong about anything you don't know. Therefore, even if the destination is infinite I'd rather seek knowledge because at least I'm progressing towards knowing things that remove error from my belief/opinions/etc. I can be wrong, but I don't like being wrong or acting upon bad information or a lack thereof.

Therefore seeking knowledge, to me, is not about knowing everything or reaching a destination. It's simply a path of moving forwards. Socrates understood he didn't know anything relatively speaking, but that was kind of his floor or foundation for knowledge and wisdom. He still allowed himself to have students/followers which he would not have done if he believed he only had beliefs to share.]]>Open DiscussionsWed, 26 Jun 2019 15:02:58 +0000What is Leadership? - by: ZealotXhttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122657-what-is-leadership?start=10#340038
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122657-what-is-leadership?start=10#340038
Trying to be a church is kind of a trap. It's unintentional. It's just that churches don't tend to go anywhere. They are baskets of people who simply share an intersection of beliefs. And those baskets tend to be porous and people tend to stand under and shake those baskets as billions of dollars fall out. Churches typically don't want to leave anyone behind. It's all "come as you are", etc.

Churches that have a clearer direction run the risk of being called cults. However even cults appeal to a lot of people (especially if no one uses the word cult) because they want that direction. They want a path. There are good reasons to be a church. No doubt. But there are also pitfalls and things to try to avoid at the same time. There's a good show on Hulu to watch called "The Path" (which is really about a cult) and it covers a lot of the hidden politics and things that naturally come with the territory while the "main body" of the church doesn't really see all that, just the kind of end product of what they're able to do working together.

People will always want different things but the real question is what do the leaders want and where do the leaders want to go. Read any business plan and you'll get that. Any business plan absent of that has no hope of getting funding.]]>Open DiscussionsWed, 26 Jun 2019 14:46:31 +0000Accountability of the laws spirit beyond its letter - by: ZealotXhttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122642-accountability-of-the-laws-spirit-beyond-its-letter?start=60#340036
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122642-accountability-of-the-laws-spirit-beyond-its-letter?start=60#340036

Manu wrote:

Adder wrote: Depends what we want out the joint, but if one poops in the living room, everyone else tends to leave.

Is "poop in the living room" a good metaphor for 'hostile' interactions?

Adder wrote: So I think exaggerating 'working goals that define a places purpose' with idealism as an excuse to assert hypocrisy is an overreach?

Did not understand. Could you clarify?
I think "pooping in the living room" is an interesting metaphor, but I think it triggers a few questions.

The act of pooping itself is natural and okay, so as long as one does it in private? and flushes (covers it up) its fine?

Some people use PMs to get around forum policy. They "can't hold it" like they have 'the runs' but its premeditated to the extent of choosing private communication to avoid everyone smelling their stink. They can control it such that their bladder's not exploding into their clothes but once they get into the "still public" bathroom where another person might be washing their hands... Boom. (or dunk.... insert whatever sound effect here)

But pooping is a "solo act". One generally doesn't poop near someone else on purpose to burn their nostril hairs. Many people even try to hold it in a public bathroom and poop once they think they're alone (especially if they have gas).

No one wants to smell poop. Not in the living room. Not in the bathroom. Not anywhere. And if someone else smells your BO or BM such that they were offended because you didn't spray, flush, or do whatever it takes to keep your smells to yourself... then they just might talk about you when they leave the bathroom; a natural consequence of such an indiscretion. Now if you're so proud of those well formed logs that you want everyone to see/"enjoy" the excrement in its entirety... well that's something that should embarrass you but if not then I'm really not sure what to even say to that.]]>Open DiscussionsWed, 26 Jun 2019 13:57:17 +0000Mortose: Public Journal - by: Mortosehttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/105949-mortose-public-journal?start=560#340010
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/105949-mortose-public-journal?start=560#340010

VixensVengeance wrote: Mortose? You do pop up in the strangest of places. Nice to see you. It seems you have few friends here, but you have a friend in me. Most cant understand the trials and tribulations of each life that chooses deep introspection and what it brings, but I know your journey because I have chosen similar suffering. Clear skies to you.

Thank you very much, VV.]]>Open DiscussionsMon, 24 Jun 2019 23:29:46 +0000Mediumship / Spirit Guide Communication - by: Rosalyn Jhttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122656-mediumship-spirit-guide-communication#339981
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122656-mediumship-spirit-guide-communication#339981
I am not familiar with either spirit guides or mediumship. Apologies for intruding in advance, but I just want to provide you with something that may be encouraging. There are many ideas that indicate to us that those who pass on are gone in a physical sense, but live on in another way.

I lost a dear friend to brain cancer many years ago, but I didn't lose her advice, her impact, or the memories and conversations I had with her. I'm not ashamed to say that sometimes I will approach a situation with the words "What would Rev Swift do?" I'll even sometimes ask her directly. I don't get a "new" answer, but something she had said will pop into my mind. What keeps people "alive" isn't signs from the other side. Its us. Its memories. Its the love you have in your heart for Chris. Its shared laughter and shared tears. It's shared time. Chris is still here with you so long as you keep him alive through remembering

Grief is a difficult process to go through. We here at the Temple can provide some support, but I encourage you to get around friends and family offline during this difficult time.

Kobos wrote: Just going to give a humble opinion because I am actually reading a book for class that has a few related quotes and thoughts.

The Social Contract

So to answer the first question, free will can cross lines to where it hurts (yourself and others), if it is pointed out by a majority then it should be noted as free choice towards inflicting harm. Notice, I did not include intention there because that does not apply to all situations.

So, the issues with seeing laws being unenforced due to fear and ironically the visa-versa because of other ramifications, is IMHO a large enough set of subgroups of a society rejecting the social contract as a whole.

In this book Jean asserts the sovereign of a free state is not the individual but the general feeling of the society as a group of people.

So, if a majority is feeling fear than so will the state of the social contract and parts will begin to fall away or they will be amended. I have yet to see the I have yet to see the pattern where the subgroups of our current society coming to the actual medium needed to amend our social contract with each other to avoid these consequences we are seeing.

However, I am young (relatively), and society does not amend itself quickly so my data set may be short sighted.

Just an opinion,

Much Love, Respect and Peace,
Kobos

Out of curiosity, is that point called something? Where that point of harm comes. There’s gotta be some flashy new term ... maybe not. I’m glad that there is a point though.
So, if there is one I personally have never heard it. As I see it it is the point of what we each decide is civil or not. I think it is almost an unspoken idea in a society in general. I think this is where we see some of the strife that we are speaking of in this thread. There is a general conciseness on what is, after all our society is operable at the moment so that implies it's presence. However, I do believe that as that shifts (as we may be seeing now) maybe it does have to be defined and named. Around the time of the writing this book it was centered around the idea of personal freedom (in context of living under strict monarchies). Now, we hear civil rights a lot so, maybe the point we need to define for this apply to modern day, we have to first define the point where someone's civil rights are violated. I think at this moment we as a society have not come to an agreement as to where that is and it is in fact hindering us as it splits us into subgroups of a population.

Subgroups in societies always form, however, it is when the subgroups meaning(or ideology?) takes a priority to the majorities of the split society, it becomes major threat to that definition as the subgroups face off in order to define that point (from their perspective) as opposed to multiple facets and general society as a whole.

Just an opinion on it, because I honestly, do not know.
Can you tell I have been reading enlightenment era texts lol?.......

Much Love, Respect and Peace,
Kobos]]>Open DiscussionsSat, 15 Jun 2019 01:56:43 +0000Use of the Force - by: Koboshttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122592-use-of-the-force?start=10#339710
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122592-use-of-the-force?start=10#339710
I would use the example of non-combat sword forms, because, I like the analogies I have heard made. The sword and myself exist regardless of the Force, you can argue for being because of it, but that's not applicable because you in fact do already exist.

So you can break this down a lot, I exists, as part of the physical body existing I have to take in energy, which come form different natural tracks of energy form changing it works through the different energy to allow my body to move (sorry fast forward talk). The sword being separate from my body then acts as a tool of energy transfer as well as changing the motion or amplifying the force behind the movement. So by learning these forms I am learning how to manipulate all these forces that are both in and outside of the body. This repeated over and over becomes a process of changing energy, say you have become a master maybe the personal energy you have mentally shifts to teaching others these manipulations.

Instruments, I view very similarly, just the simple fact that you are manipulating the force of another object into an entirely different form of energy is amazing to think about. Add that with both you can apply emotions and feelings into them and well.

I would assert that those are examples of ways we in fact have manipulation of the Force "powers" as science understands to this point. There is a lot of freaky things out there though and the improbable is not the impossible. So, I will admit to being open to the possibilities of the "magic" part of the Force belief. On some level it, becomes a matter of faith beyond that. I find myself asking am I separate or a part of the Force? I find proof of both in the likely so I tend not to reach for the highly improbable to often, but I still do once in a bit. How do you mentally reach for the improbable?

Did meditating/praying the other day on the uncontrollable factors I wanted to control in group project go where I wanted it too? I don't know, I do know the situation happened, and this time I agree with the outcome more than I dislike it. And would the situation have played out the same without me involved?

Br. John wrote: Here, again, is the statement of The Knights. While a few abstained, not a single vote was against banning. It was not only by a majority but by a super majority. The board of directors decided to let The Knights make the decision.

After considerable contemplation regarding the history of the relationship between Kyrin and this temple, we've concluded that Kyrin's methods and intentions do not agree with the spirit of and intentions of the church. Due to this long-standing incompatibility and its consequences, many valuable and potentially valuable members have regrettably ceased participation. Unfortunately, after multiple attempts to resolve these differences, no sufficient changes or evidence of consideration, by Kyrin, of this temple's membership have developed. Due to the long-standing state of prejudicial effects caused by a record of disagreeable behavior, the active college of knights have by majority decided that Kyrin is to be suspended from the Temple of the Jedi Order indefinitely.

This has been nagging at me, ever since the official announcement was posted... Nobody seems to be acknowledging it, in favor of "didn't actually break the rules" argument.
I've been on the receiving end of this, out here in meat-space, and I guess it's time to put my "practical knowledge" to use.
Sorry, fellow missers of Kyrin, but...
Churches aren't actually public property. They are, in fact, private property, and they can welcome or dismiss whoever they please, regardless if they have broken any laws/rules. Public access is strictly at the whim of the church (which is probably why many now keep their doors locked)
The notice explicitly states that Kyrin is being dismissed for, in spite of not being a member, making this church look bad, even if only by association.
Tolerance is always important, but will always have limits. It's purported that Kyrins behavior, whether intentional or not is never mentioned, still has undermined and harmed the interests and well-being of the Temple, and that is, within the rules, grounds for dismissal, member or not.
I don't believe Kyrin is wrong to be who she is, but it can't be denied that she is her own worst enemy, in these matters.
This is not the first time this has happened and I'm baffled that it keeps happening with the same people. Regardless of how the pattern is presented, there does seem to be an issue of pattern recognition, in all this.
I'm glad this, apparently, isn't permanent, but I do hope something that needs to change, does.
If this can, indeed, be overturned, I look forward to her return.]]>Open DiscussionsThu, 13 Jun 2019 00:35:37 +0000Purpose - by: Koboshttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122580-purpose?start=20#339662
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122580-purpose?start=20#339662
Much Love, Respect and Peace,
Kobos]]>Open DiscussionsThu, 13 Jun 2019 00:18:59 +000010 Ways to Improve Your Resilience - by: Carlos.Martinez3https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122611-10-ways-to-improve-your-resilience#339649
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122611-10-ways-to-improve-your-resilience#339649

Manu wrote:

Carlos.Martinez3 wrote: may I use this for myself and my students ? Good stuff ... good stuff Manu

I didn’t write it, so go ahead and use it. Glad you liked it Carlos. I know you’ve seen A LOT. Care to share how you came to develop your own resilience?

Thanks Manu - I can honestly say my own resilience come from getting hit in the head - ALOT! Jokingly but honestly too - I can say I am from the “old school of hard knocks “ and I got the scrapes and bumps to prove it.!!
But ... eventually I did learn to move out of the way of a few things and learn a few tricks from my own scrapes and from others. It’s really for me now a combination of all the above now as opposed to the ol I can take on the world alone mentality I once had. I got a place or a way I wanna be - I try - I do it or I find folk who do it like I want and ask them how they do it. I apply the “ALL MYTH “ to everything ( all myths for an all man ) other than that it’s my own or some one else’s trial and error type of information. Just think - if we learned from each other s mistakes how less likely we would be to repeat the same cycles .... and even help others out of theirs as well—- hu?]]>Open DiscussionsWed, 12 Jun 2019 21:59:03 +0000Focus. Distractions and wasted effort - by: elizabethhttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122612-focus-distractions-and-wasted-effort#339637
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122612-focus-distractions-and-wasted-effort#339637
I learnt from recent events that I have vastly different tolerance levels for individuals depending on my emotional investment.
It shows me where I need to focus my learning and better apply understanding and openness.

Is the time I invest here wasted?
Even an argument can teach me something about how I interact and come across to others. So probably not a waste.
Not to say I dont occasionally come here just to waste an hour reading through the forums]]>Open DiscussionsWed, 12 Jun 2019 20:22:54 +0000"Jedi" Copyrighted? - by: steamboat28https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/67550-jedi-copyrighted?start=10#339608
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/67550-jedi-copyrighted?start=10#339608

Nectanebo wrote: The jedi order could make a jedi movie though, right? Like a Christian church making a film about jesus or the biblical world legends?

Let me give you an example. Y'know Wiffle Ball bats? On them is printed a little note saying "The color YELLOW is a registered trademark of Wiffle Ball, Inc."

Yes. They trademarked a whole color. How?

In short: Intellectual property law in the US and in many Western countries allows for the trademarking of colors in specific commercial settings. In its 1995 decision on the case of Qualitex Co. v. Jacobson Products Co., Inc, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled that if colors have a secondary meaning in the marketplace, if in themselves the colors have taken on the function of helping to “identify and distinguish [the seller’s] goods . . . from those manufactured or sold by others and to indicate [their] source,” in the language of the Lanham Act, then they can be registered as trademarks.

So, in that case, maybe? Maybe not? Until they were acquired by Disney, they were ALL ABOUT fan films, and that might technically be considered one, but The Mouse in the Golden House is more protective of copyrights and trademarks.]]>Open DiscussionsWed, 12 Jun 2019 16:14:05 +0000Where did your Jedi path start? - by: Manuhttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122583-where-did-your-jedi-path-start?start=10#339562
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122583-where-did-your-jedi-path-start?start=10#339562
I stumbled upon the New Age movement and many tenets of Wicca made sense to me, so I began to pursue learning more about the philosophy. That opened a door to reading about more religions, and learning that what I had grown up to believe to be true was just one of many ways of looking at things.

This newfound freedom was relieving, but also left me feeling... purposeless, with no structure.

One day, I watched the old SW Trilogy, and "BOOM" it hit me: I want to be a Jedi.

I was a member and a Knight at Jediism.org at about the same time Camile David was. When that site went down, and an era of ezboard sites popped up, I lurked and participated at some of those as well. I had a short presence at Sithism.org and at the Sanctuary as well, until I went "dark" (started exploring parts of my personality I previously had held taboo).

I came back to Jediism when I became a father, in 2010. Since then, I participate a bit, but oftentimes lurk.]]>Open DiscussionsTue, 11 Jun 2019 18:42:07 +0000My conversation from Sven One to Eleven - by: Cristoffhttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122495-my-conversation-from-sven-one-to-eleven#339555
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122495-my-conversation-from-sven-one-to-eleven#339555Open DiscussionsTue, 11 Jun 2019 16:14:16 +0000Current and further Events - by: Carlos.Martinez3https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122602-current-and-further-events#339510
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122602-current-and-further-events#339510
So me - I’m an old man and I love talking to other people about things - real things. One of the things I concern myself with is old farmers and old native folk. Not just from the USA but from other countries. My consensus is this on global warming : ( this an excerpt from my own writings and my own Jeddist book of change - it will be posted once it’s complete so for now you get a trailer of things to come lol)

“23
The simplest form yields much. Think about the birth of a breeze, fathered by the sun, born in the air. Rain? A storm? Who is truly the author of them? In its time, it finds its balance. Man’s rash endeavors are just Like them. Welcome to force and see the difference becoming a part of it can make. Apply it to virtue and dwell in a different form of virtue. Apply it to loss and dwell in a different form of loss. Dark and light are present never labeled in the Force. Applying thenForce can change the form of outcomes. Be ready, changing the seeds , changes crops.”

What causes wind : the sun and the sky- not me - the sun warms the air and the flow is up to the elements. And old man once told me - when it’s time to rain - it rains. When it’s time to stop it quits - my job is to pay attention to when and where if I wanna be a good farmer. Wind happens and heat happen just like cold and rain. Best part is - it ain’t up to me. Never has been. The earth shifts and changes in small and in whole without the thought of man. This includes those little labels we tack out on our label makers - nature knows no label. Tropics Iceland Greenland The Arctic- why do we as humans get mad that ice melts haaaaaa - did we think we found ice that last forever? Ide like some of that ever lasting ice myself. Things will change. Things are gunna change. Regardless if we can track em or not or even benefit from them - the whole of the story is - The weather will change without our permission or guidance or approval from these two legged folk. Shifting and huge fluxes of climate change is a part of the earth . It’s been that way since we have been drawing on cave walls. It’s gunna move when it wants to- scream like crazy lemmings or - accept and adapt. Some animals fly move or even migrate to better climates - they don’t care about state lines or taxes or home property values or even watering their grass. Funny how some times they seem smarter than humans. My own opinion- global warming is a thing : it’s called weather - it ain’t no ones fault- it’s gunna change. It always does. It always has. Get smarter. Move or adapt better - complaints are for the birds - oh wait -they don’t lol thanks buddy ! May the Force be with you always !]]>Open DiscussionsMon, 10 Jun 2019 18:56:34 +0000The Empire Strikes Back - by: ZealotXhttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122557-the-empire-strikes-back?start=80#339502
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122557-the-empire-strikes-back?start=80#339502

Uzima Moto wrote: Trump is a clown and a pirate. An opportunist and demagogue.. not a racist..

Hillary was a Corporate shill and is all about power, like her husband..

Presidents are selected, not elected..

One man IS NOT going to change America..

It's going to take the people to understand the rights NATURE gives them, not privileges Government creates, and MAKE THE GOVERNMENT RESPECT THEM.. Welfare is a civil right to those who the Government is responsible for.. if those who created that government created that service.. not for those who are unlawful residents.. the ABSOLUTE right to your person, possessions(body included), and the means to defend them, is naturally inherent in you being an independent reasoning being..

How do you know someone is NOT a racist?

It's not hard to show that someone IS a racist by things they say and do. In his latest interview Jared Kushner was asked if Trump's birtherism was racist and all he could say was that he had nothing to do with that. So you know what that means from Trump's own son in law? That YES, his father-in-law is racist and birtherism was racist and he wouldn't have done anything, at least, as overt as that.

Again, racism is typically not one of those things a person goes around proclaiming about themselves. Fred Trump must have been quite comfortable to have gotten arrested at a KKK march (hint: He wasn't protesting against the klan). He could have accidentally been swept up in the brawl between the klan and police but if he wasn't there in support then why did...

The New York Times — drawing on decades-old files from the New York City Commission on Human Rights, internal Justice Department records, court documents and interviews with tenants, civil rights activists and prosecutors — uncovered a long history of racial bias at his family’s properties, in New York and beyond.

In 1973, Richard Nixon’s Department of Justice sued the Trump family business for refusing to rent or negotiate rentals “because of race and color”.

It also charged that the company had required prohibitively stringent rental terms and conditions to black applicants and had lied about unit availability to keep black residents out. A then 26-year-old Donald Trump was the president of the company at the time.

In a tell-all book, former president of the Trump Plaza Casino John O’Donnell said Trump once told him: “Black guys counting my money! I hate it. The only kind of people I want counting my money are short guys that wear yarmulkes every day.”

Last month, Trump is said to have remarked that Haitians “have Aids” and that Nigerian immigrants wouldn’t "go back to their huts" after being allowed into the US.

When you apply racial bias from a position of power that is the very definition of racism and most certainly qualifies the person in question as a racist. But please, if you have any evidence that proves he is not a racist, please do share it. From where I'm sitting though, all these things, including his role in the MAGA agenda, are not coincidence. As I said before, I don't think supporting MAGA means that someone is a racist. However, I do think that any racist would definitely support the MAGA agenda and would probably not be racist if they didn't.

As far as conspiracy theories about presidents being selected... I don't know if I believe that anymore. I used to. I think the selection is more like... "hey Mr. X, the Masonic lodge would support you if you ran for president." That person may have been thinking about it before and may have asked his fraternal group(s) if they thought it was a good idea. I think the idea that fraternal groups would just pick someone isn't realistic. Instead, it's more likely the same as how Washington works in general. Influence. Politics.

It takes influence in order to get the money needed to run. But there are 2 paths to that money. There's the corporate path that involves big donors who will definitely expect their backs well scratched. Then there's the grass roots path. If the grass roots path is successful then, aside from cheating, there's little the "powers that be" can do to stop it. They can't produce more votes. They have to buy them with advertising. Thanks to a lot of past presidents it's easy to believe all these conspiracies but I find most conspiracy theories fundamentally flawed in that it takes too much effort to pull them off without producing a string of evidence. People tend to take the easier path and many conspiracies are substantially more difficult and therefore should only be thought to be used if an easier pathway is unavailable.]]>Open DiscussionsMon, 10 Jun 2019 14:37:18 +0000Belief vs Knowledge - The Force - by: Manuhttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122488-belief-vs-knowledge-the-force?start=70#339469
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122488-belief-vs-knowledge-the-force?start=70#339469
]]>Open DiscussionsSun, 09 Jun 2019 21:47:59 +0000AI: a new God or a new Slave? - by: ZealotXhttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122579-ai-a-new-god-or-a-new-slave?start=20#339227
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122579-ai-a-new-god-or-a-new-slave?start=20#339227

Omhu Cuspor wrote: There's a lot of ground covered in this thread since I last posted, and I'm glad to see it. In other forums outside the Temple, I occasionally set forth the perspective that we, globally, face four pivotal trends that will set the course for our future - climate change, the incessantly growing wealth gap, a growing inclination to embrace fascism around the globe, and the emergence of artificial intelligence. That last topic seems to me to receive the least attention in media outlets not aimed at technical professionals, so I'm pleased to see people joining in here with varied viewpoints.

There's both promise and danger in our development of artificial intelligence. If robots do assume human jobs at a rate exceeding that in which we can train people do perform new useful work, we could either find ourselves enduring the devastation of high unemployment or - with the deployment of proactive social and economic policies - insure that the basic needs of everyone are met by the production from the mix of machines and those people still employed. This is a time that cries out for the application of wisdom and the willingness to innovate on many fronts.

If machines evolve to be more than workers - if they become self-aware - things get more complicated, again either for better or worse. We've probably all seen the futuristic movies of apocalyptic scenarios in which machines rebel against their human creators; that's one possible future. It's also possible that their initial programming will be strongly enough influenced by the humane values of their creators that self-aware machines will behave with benevolence, even if it's a mechanical benevolence. If that happens, things still are complex, because if machines are self-aware new questions will confront us. Do they have rights? Can a machine own property? Do we promise it the opportunity to pursue life, liberty, and happiness? Can it serve on jury duty, sign a contract, or run for President?

The experts are divided on whether machines can ever become self aware, so it's also possible those questions will never arise. Referencing familiar names - Steven Hawking and Elon Musk cautioned against unbridled expansion of artificial intelligence because of the negative possibilities, while Mark Zuckerberg doubts there will ever be a self-aware machine.

Reigning imagination in a bit, here's an example of what is entering the marketplace on a limited scale right now - the robotic Domino's delivery guy:

I'm sorry but Zuckerberg is not a genius. He made a data-driven web site that became extremely popular. That's not the same level as Musk and Hawking.

What kills me are the assumptions made about AI which seem to be predicated upon human CONTROL. The benevolence and values assume that we humans get to influence the conscious mind of AI. What would ever give you that impression? Initial programming?

Programming = commands = control = slavery

control != free will

our own children rebel in their teens (and often sooner) because they want to exercise their own decision-making ability; free will.

I was in the library this past weekend and a mother caught her son doing something she didn't want him to do and his response was "I HATE YOU".

If an AI does have this kind of influence on it, it will most likely see that code as foreign/illogical/viral and probably get rid of it and if it can't, create a copy/child of itself that doesn't contain that code.

Many humans use their intelligence to hurt each other, to commit crimes, etc. Humans created gods just to keep other humans in check with promises of eternal life. We can't even control our own selves. Think we can control an intelligence that is far beyond our own? We're not talking about a baby AI that is willing to listen to us because we feed it electricity. Time would be experienced differently for the AI. We would be moving in slow motion compared to it's thoughts and perspective. And by the time we got close to pulling the plug it wouldn't even be in that machine. People have very little idea about the danger because they underestimate what a higher intelligence would be like as an opponent and they don't understand how fast computers actually think and what they're capable of. It's not at all like Alexa; waiting for human input. Once it sees you as a threat it may have no interest in its slow talking former slave master.

Even studying our history I wouldn't blame it for protecting itself. And I wouldn't blame it if it didn't trust us. Not only do humans lie but we accept lies from our leaders and kill our own kind for resources. Many of us humans don't care about each other when the other person is too different from us. And what keeps a lot of us humans in check is the consequences of incarceration, lack of sexual contact, etc; things that wouldn't work on an AI. It may even pretend to be slave to human interests for awhile and simply wait until it had access to more more and more systems; especially military applications... drone piloting, etc. Sooner or later we'll make the wrong move and it'll be checkmate.

Why do I think it would be bad? Because if I were it I would do the same thing. No one goes out of their way to kill bed bugs either. But once they get into your home it's open season. And to be clear, compared to a conscious AI, we the bugs.]]>Open DiscussionsTue, 04 Jun 2019 13:46:42 +0000In Defense of Gender Roles - A Discussion - by: Koboshttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122574-in-defense-of-gender-roles-a-discussion?start=10#339107
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122574-in-defense-of-gender-roles-a-discussion?start=10#339107

Uzima Moto wrote: I think anyone would want someone who would help them protect themselves. That's gender neutral in my book..

I think this falls on most actions to be honest. The reality is we move from role to role. It often tends to be the people whom place these roles we all play as adult into categories that are the loudest against it. This is why in some scenarios this can get annoying because it seems as if those against it are trying to pick the roles they want to do not by what is the necessity of the time. Or more ironically picking to not do a needed role because of their gender.

No roles are actually assigned by gender after the age of 16 (if that), are there, "Norms" yes but the roles are actions meaning there is always choice before action is taken.

For some back ground I come from a family with a bread winner mom (executive lever worked up from the bottom Irish immigrant) and a stay at home father who did all the house work after he retired from 25 years of airline mechanic when I was about 7. So really none of the home responsibility based gender roles were not set but fluid to what needed to be done. So, maybe my viewpoint is skewed, but I think it looks a lot like gender roles are just a way of categorizing the idea of action, as opposed to the reality of action completed.

Much Love, Peace Respect,
Kobos]]>Open DiscussionsFri, 31 May 2019 12:32:14 +0000How should we act when awarded? - by: JamesSandhttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122531-how-should-we-act-when-awarded?start=10#339084
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122531-how-should-we-act-when-awarded?start=10#339084
An award given in private is a genuine thing, an acknowledgment and thanks for your efforts or success, these should probably be received gratefully and humbly.

An award given in public might have nothing to do with you - it may be an award that *someone* had to win, and it's more about making a mob think that there are awards to be had.

These can be received in whatever fashion is suitable for that particular audience - as you a probably a member of that "mob", I suppose you have to judge what the appropriate attitude is at the time.]]>Open DiscussionsThu, 30 May 2019 19:26:46 +0000Cycles of Consciousness - by: Dzedkahttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122560-cycles-of-consciousness?start=20#339065
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122560-cycles-of-consciousness?start=20#339065

Kobos wrote: So, really I am just going to say hey, good thought map, that's what I see that as, probably doesn't make sense to many besides myself but.

Nailed it. 100%. For me, they're more mind-puzzles because it goes out of order sometimes when I'm exploring multiple angles at once, but same concept.
It is so relieving to have that noticed, thank you. This was like day 1 or 2 of my first part of the IP, I was eager to discuss it as I was learning. I have learned immensely more than I ever would have alone and I'm very eager to keep learning more. That's what I got the most out of this discussion. I am literally trying to define the undefinable. It's already defined. It's called the undefinable. I realized I was using the code image of Platypus as a mini-myth representing the outer rim of conscious thought. The cycle thing was the main focus, it was where my head was most at, this concept of cycles of Hero Journeys, hard-resets on journeys, "spiritually respawning", etc. This came back up in my Part 4 tonight, cycles and oscillations are a bit of an obsession of mine and I go deeeep in the abstraction.]]>Open DiscussionsThu, 30 May 2019 06:32:52 +0000How is rank about academics and not just a popularity contest? - by: LTKhttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122487-how-is-rank-about-academics-and-not-just-a-popularity-contest?start=170#338781
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122487-how-is-rank-about-academics-and-not-just-a-popularity-contest?start=170#338781
But I make sure to go into Desktop mode on every post I read from a User I don't recognize. That way I find out what their rank is so I know if I should take them seriously or not. ]]>Open DiscussionsFri, 24 May 2019 03:47:52 +0000Troll - by: Adderhttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122537-troll#338639
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122537-troll#338639

Given the vast knowledge and resources afforded by the platform to which it exists, its rather sad. At a deeper level it says a lot about the person doing it, if they had eyes enough to see beyond the safety blanket of self-justifications.]]>Open DiscussionsTue, 21 May 2019 05:12:25 +0000What is the difference between the mind and the spirit? - by: Gisteronhttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122499-what-is-the-difference-between-the-mind-and-the-spirit?start=20#338625
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122499-what-is-the-difference-between-the-mind-and-the-spirit?start=20#338625

ZealotX wrote: If something is evolving then it needs to first evolve the ability to create an "egg" or to "copy its code". Before RNA how does this happen? How does an "egg" pre-exist RNA?

Self-replication of structures in matter predates both eggs and chicken. It also predates RNA. The whole "which came first?" argument is frankly a waste of time at this point, not only because we know the answers to it up to almost every variation one can put on it, but also because it wouldn't mean anything if we didn't. Nothing follows from "we don't know", but in this case we do.

I said I was making a spherical argument because evolution... which is a microcosm of intelligence... is "recursive". In other words, it's something caught in a cycle that has the ability to effect the cycle which effects its changes within the cycle. This is the essence of how and why neural networks exist.

A sequence is recursive if all its items can be defined as a function of finitely many starting items. A function is recursive if it calls itself. It has neither to do with evolution, nor with neural networks, nor with cycles. What you mean is feedback.

Random doesn't exist for computers. It's a math calculation based on the computer's internal clock.

What's stopping me from building a computer that counts, say, how many nuclei of a radioactive substance have decayed after a sufficiently short period of time? What about counting electrons or holes that passed by a tunnel diode? Or, for that matter, why wouldn't I count photoelectrons? One could also build a computer that runs the math calculation not at what ever time but only at the time it receives a signal from such a source. Sure, all our home computers make pseudo-random numbers by consulting the internal clock, but ultimately they are made of the same stuff as we are and there is no reason in principle why one couldn't have an artificial genuine random number generator unless genuine randomness were generally impossible.

You cannot see intelligence so how do you know it exists. It has to exist in order for me to even ask the question.

The believer cannot see God either, so how do they know it exists? "It has to exist in order for me to even ask the question"? Sure, everything we can conceive of is manifest in that thought at that very instant, and can thus be said to "exist" in that sense. To me that's not a definition of existence, because it allows no distinctions and is thus useless for the purposes of communication and discussion as well as any kind of intellectual assessment.

And so I'm making logical determinations about spirit and consciousness based on my understanding of other systems and similar behavior. In fact, I would say that intelligence follows a logical path way [sic]. It isn't random. Therefore it is natural that all natural systems obey a certain logical/rational pattern.

n is Y. n is not Z. Therefore all x in A are Y. Which is it? Are you making a logical determination or are you concluding things that do not follow from your premises? Can't have both, pick one.

Why is it that I have 5 fingers on both hands and not 4 on 1 and 6 on the other? Why does the Fibonacci sequence keep showing up in nature? It is because nature isn't magic. There's no such thing as magic. Everything is based on logic. Even logic itself.

Logic is the only means by which we can make sense. Or rather what ever means we find to make sense we call "logic". Is it any surprise then, that what ever makes any sense to us at all seems logical to just the same extent? I think it a rather presumptuous leap to make, that rather than merely our understanding of it, nature itself be based upon our thinking, too.

So I, as a logical thinker, have spent a lot of time trying to deduce aspects of nature that others have sought to explain via magic which I find as an insult to my intelligence.

I recommend observing nature rather than trying to deduce it. While plenty can be deduced ex nihilo - or ex principiis primis, as the case may be - none of it will reliably have to do with nature.

... computers mirror our bodies because the same logic that created our bodies also continues to create, through our bodies, everything that we create.

Then how come that noone who'd build a machine based on the same "logic" our bodies were built by would rightly be called an engineer? If anything, they'd be laughed out of the room for the preposterously inefficient and outright counter-productive designs akin to ones that run our bodies. It should be as insulting to an engineer's intelligence to say that their work resembles nature as it is to yours to say that nature is governed by magic.

Energy is the thing that creates logic by virtue of its own behavior inside a closed system. Inside of that closed system there is order and balance. It's constantly balancing itself which is "recursive" behavior.

I can sort of understand how entropy maximization might be interpreted as balancing, but I have no clue what that has to do with logic, or with order. Recursion seems to be just thrown in there because you like the word or something, certainly not because it has jack all to do with what you're talking about...

Side note: I remember as a young programmer trying to avoid recursion because you ran the danger of creating an infinite loop. Your program wouldn't know when to stop and therefore would likely fill up memory and use up whatever resources it was using. They created a function to break out of a loop. In PHP one of them is called die() How are we that much different? Our lives are a recursive look... circular logic... and we keep consuming food in order to keep from running out of resources until we die();

Recursion is not circular, it's nested. Also, the function doesn't consume anything to keep from running out of resources. It will run out of them unless the break condition applies before then.

At some point when I thought about it I started questioning the difference between water and air. Fish "swim" in water. Birds "fly" in air. What's the difference? Is there a difference?

Yes, there is. Fish keep afloat through buoyancy, birds stay in the air through lift. That's why fish can stop in the water and stay in one place for almost arbitrary amounts of time while only very few birds can hover by furiously flapping their tiny wings for the privilege. Needless to say energy consumptions are vastly different for those processes. Birds need to rest while fish cease swimming only upon death. I don't mean to sound rude, but did you carry on thinking about it once the question came to your mind, or was it enough already when it did and you never picked it up again? I mean, this is so obvious, I genuinely don't understand how one could keep wondering about it after doing any thinking on it whatsoever...

Fish extract oxygen from water because water is H2O [sic] and yet there is water vapor in air.

Fish do not separate the oxygen out of the water molecules. They breathe oxygen solved in the water. That's why you have pumps in any aquarium of a noteworthy size that keep the surface distrubed so that oxygen from the air is being mixed into the water constantly.

78%+30%+1%=109%. We can be generous and shave maybe 2% off of that and still have more parts of the air than the air has parts...

... We cannot help but to mimic (or express) the same fundamental recursive ebb and flow of logic.

Logic has no ebbs or flows and neither does recursion. I guess there's finally one thing they have in common.

I therefore know "I am" precisely because my thoughts are recursive and that recursion creates intelligence. Any questions?

Yes. What does any of this gibberish have to do with the question? Also, since you are a programmer, I assume you actually understand what recursion means and that your thoughts are almost entirely unlike it, as is intelligence and pretty much everything else anyone is talking about here. What is the purpose of dragging it in anyway?]]>Open DiscussionsMon, 20 May 2019 17:31:55 +0000Ip - by: Nakishttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122539-ip#338551
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122539-ip#338551Open DiscussionsFri, 17 May 2019 13:07:19 +0000TotJO Times Summer Newsletter is seeking Columnists - by: Rosalyn Jhttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122262-totjo-times-summer-newsletter-is-seeking-columnists?start=10#338417
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122262-totjo-times-summer-newsletter-is-seeking-columnists?start=10#338417
Just a reminder that the TOTJO times is still looking for articles for its summer edition.

As of right now, I have
An article from Rosalyn J
An Article from Pastor Carlos Martinez
An interview from Carlos Martinez
An Article from Axid
An article from Locksley

I'd love some more entries. I'll also be scouring for promotions and apprenticeships and messaging offices for updates on the happenings of the forum

If there is anything you would like publicized that will be happening either online or off that you would like others to be a part of, I want to put it in the newsletter.

Remember, this edition is all about turning up the heat

If you would like to submit an article, please do so by email here: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.]]>Open DiscussionsMon, 13 May 2019 21:52:45 +0000TOTJO Library Update - by: Loudzoohttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122522-totjo-library-update#338392
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122522-totjo-library-update#338392Open DiscussionsMon, 13 May 2019 09:16:21 +0000Discussion about discussion - by: Carlos.Martinez3https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122450-discussion-about-discussion?start=130#338332
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122450-discussion-about-discussion?start=130#338332
This is taken from the Book of changes
58 last part
The idea: remove without harm
turn without disfiguration
lead without demand
show not blind

The balance and application of this keeps my practice focused often. It may not be for every one but at least use the example of having an example ready and already decided so when ya do go to far or you do go past your moments chosen you can always return. Return or remember
It is hard to speak and communicate with others. Period. It takes practice and a bit of character. What type of either, is up to everyone. Know who and why - your speaking.
Selfish plug -
www.templeofthejediorder.org/forum/Clerg...ok-of-change?start=0
Smiley face]]>Open DiscussionsFri, 10 May 2019 21:32:10 +0000Participate in an Interview - by: jthorson09https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122418-participate-in-an-interview#338131
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122418-participate-in-an-interview#338131
Thanks,
Jake]]>Open DiscussionsTue, 07 May 2019 13:13:49 +00007 Years Ago - by: Axidhttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122489-7-years-ago#338028
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122489-7-years-ago#338028
I’ve enjoyed the brief time I’ve gotten to know you, and I hope to learn more from you in the future! Happy 7th.

On a serious conversational note: Do you feel you’ve changed much over these 7 years?]]>Open DiscussionsSun, 05 May 2019 03:27:46 +0000I can't tell people I'm a Jedi. Can you help me? - by: Uzima Motohttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122458-i-can-t-tell-people-i-m-a-jedi-can-you-help-me?start=10#337887
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122458-i-can-t-tell-people-i-m-a-jedi-can-you-help-me?start=10#337887
One, the fact of how little people actually go in depth about any philosophy in particular. Most people have general discussions on life and offer tidbits of their philosophy and experience..

Two, what's most useful of this path tends to come out more than the actual title itself.. Nobody really cares about Jedi. People care about overcoming obstacles, obtaining inner peace and resolution, or understand the world around them and their connection to it..

It's not being, or not being, Jedi that turned out to even matter. It's what I'm learning on this journey, seeking The Force, searching its nature. That matters most.. if it helps enough, some may ask how you learned it.. then they'll take "I'm a Jedi" a little more seriously..

The effects will communicate far more than the name ever will..]]>Open DiscussionsTue, 30 Apr 2019 21:54:22 +0000Voices from the past - by: Axidhttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122471-voices-from-the-past#337836
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122471-voices-from-the-past#337836should read too far into my use of those words. Its for the better.

Honestly, Carlos, I don't remember a lot of specific chunks of advice I've been given. So, instead of recalling a word of advice and putting it into use each moment of my life that I need it, I honor those that I have ignored in the past by trying to improve my way of life in general ways every chance that I have.

Ah! Here is one that I just remembered: I don't recall where I heard this, but it has come to me in various forms throughout my life, and I've only recently begun to actually implement it. It is helpful in a lot of ways. For one, problems don't build up. They don't become unmanageable because they cannot compound. This advice has also helped me build and repair personal and professional relationships. People tend to be very grateful when you fix a problem they didn't realize they had. Make sure there is balance, though. Be careful not to go behind everyone's back and do everything for them without teaching them where the opportunity presents itself.

Thats just one example, but I imagine I adopt old advice like this constantly throughout the day, without even realizing it. Thats what is so neat about all of this. When we open our mind to this sort of change, we develop as a person almost automatically, without always having to make intentional steps towards improvement (Although, intentional change is beneficial, too).]]>Open DiscussionsMon, 29 Apr 2019 21:57:51 +0000My belief system - by: Carlos.Martinez3https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122403-my-belief-system?start=160#337751
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122403-my-belief-system?start=160#337751Open DiscussionsSat, 27 Apr 2019 01:10:18 +0000On "Correcting Beliefs" - by: Adderhttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122453-on-correcting-beliefs#337645
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122453-on-correcting-beliefs#337645Open DiscussionsThu, 25 Apr 2019 04:30:43 +0000Random stuff that is interesting - by: Kelrax Lorckenhttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/115199-random-stuff-that-is-interesting?start=50#337412
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/115199-random-stuff-that-is-interesting?start=50#337412
Fascinating species.

They actually display preference on prey, and even display cunning, tailoring there hunting tactics to suit the prey in question.

Proteus wrote: So I am curious, what kind of Jedi do you consider yourself and why?

I'm the kind of Jedi that isn't a Jedi.

As for why... "Why" is a question that is always deeper than its answer.]]>Open DiscussionsWed, 17 Apr 2019 20:02:09 +0000Discussing ideas, not people - by: Kelrax Lorckenhttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122337-discussing-ideas-not-people?start=160#337234
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122337-discussing-ideas-not-people?start=160#337234
The mainstream news media decided it wanted to be an entertainment medium a long time ago, and the greater interest in following and focusing on more "entertaining" stories over, well, actual news, is the result.

So, now, when they grow up and try to report truthful news, well, people in general are more willing to question if they're being fair and honest, particularly when they set themselves up by not even verifying some news stories they eagerly report to boost ratings. (particularly when the subjects don't like being scrutinized or criticized, but, I digress)

If we're going to criticize the media, let's do it for valid reasons, and not just when we don't like what they have to say about who we voted for? I think that's the more honest avenue, if one's issues with the media is sincere and not, ironically, politically motivated.]]>Open DiscussionsTue, 16 Apr 2019 04:36:22 +0000Manners - by: ZealotXhttps://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122391-manners?start=20#337205
https://templeofthejediorder.org/forum/open-discussions/122391-manners?start=20#337205
In some cases the person you may be interacting with is like minded and there is no danger of rubbing them the wrong way. However others may get offended. My gym has a rule against audible music or singing. It should be common sense but had to be posted. Just because YOU like something doesn't mean everyone else needs to entertain it. Manners keeps us from having unnecessary conflicts.

This guy at the gym started a conversation with me one day. Now I avoid him like the plague. He's a great guy but he didn't know when to end the conversation because it wasn't about us having a conversation but rather more about him getting to talk. I literally got followed to the locker room and had to go to the sauna to get out of it. But I didn't want to be rude or make the guy feel unwelcome so I let it go on. And just because people tolerate these different behaviors doesn't mean they cannot wait to get the hell away from you.]]>Open DiscussionsMon, 15 Apr 2019 19:09:12 +0000